Christmas is a time for celebration, but it can also be dangerous. During the Christmas season, many of the things we enjoy, such as fairy lights, candles, trees and decorations, can cause fires. Quickshipfire, the best fire alarm equipment supplier company in USA has put together a list of Christmas Fire Safety Tips so that you and your home stay safe this holiday season.
Christmas Fire Safety Tips
Take these steps to prevent fires and stay safe this Christmas.
Christmas Lights
Don’t overload plug sockets with Christmas lights, and make sure they comply with all Standards. Don’t leave the premises unattended without switching them off.
Decorations
When putting up Christmas decorations, keep in mind that most decorations, such as tinsel, banners, and candles, are quite combustible. For this reason, never leave candles unattended and ensure they’re positioned properly to prevent fires.
Christmas Trees
Make sure your Christmas tree is placed away from any heat sources and does not interfere with any escape routes from the building. Review your Fire Risk Assessment to ensure no risks are posed.
Fire Alarm Testing
Even though people may already be on holiday, it is not an excuse to neglect testing your fire alarms. Test your fire alarms regularly, especially during the holiday season.
Ensure all electrical appliances are in safe mode
When your premises are closed with little or no staff present, there is always the possibility of fire. Keep all electrical devices in safe mode, and keep the heat on for a few hours each day to avoid damaging pipes.
In Case of Emergency
The last thing anyone wants to deal with at Christmas time is a fire, but if it does happen, you need to be prepared to fight it.
In addition to our Christmas Fire Safety Tips, read out fire safety do’s and don’ts to keep your home or business safe over the festive period.
Other Safety Tips for Holiday Decorating
- Be sure all holiday light cords aren’t frayed or broken. String no more than three strands of lights per extension cord. Leave all holiday lights off when you go to bed or leave the house.
- Outdoor decorations should be suitable for outdoor use, and lights should be fastened securely to your home or trees. In order to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard, make sure the hooks and nails you use outside are insulated.
- When buying an artificial tree, look for the fire-resistant label. Do not place it near fireplaces, radiators, or other sources of heat. It is never a good idea to use electric lights on metallic trees.
- If you get a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. Make sure no needles fall off by bending the needles up and down.
- When hanging stockings on the mantel, do not light the fireplace.
- Be sure to check the labels of old decorations. It is possible to find lead-based tinsel in older decorations. Wear gloves when using angel hair to prevent irritation. It is best to avoid breathing in artificial snow. When using a ladder, keep a good, stable position and wear traction-enhancing shoes.
After Christmas
- Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
- Check with your local community to find a recycling program.
- Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
Christmas Fire Facts
- Almost one third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
- Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.
- A heat source too close to the tree causes more than one in every five of the fires.
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